LA police hunt arsonist after 35 fires in Hollywood

Los Angeles police are seeking a serial arsonist or arsonists suspected of starting up to 35 fires in Hollywood in two days, damaging buildings and cars throughout the area.

Those responsible are thought to have started the fires by setting vehicles alight. The flames then spread to nearby houses, including one in Hollywood Hills once occupied by the Doors singer Jim Morrison which inspired the song Love Street. At one stage 21 fires were set in four hours.

Following the fires, police have reinforced patrols and urged the public to remain vigilant. In nearly every case, the fire started in a parked car.

Firefighters described how new outbreaks of fire were relayed to them as they were already attending incidents. All of the fires were within two square miles and most were in densely populated residential neighbourhoods.